Fabric treatment composition

ABSTRACT

A heat activated fabric treatment composition comprises from 3 to 75 wt % of one or more fabric treatment active ingredients, from 10 to 50 wt % of water, from 5 to 40 wt % of an oil and optionally from 2 to 30 wt % of a nonionic surfactant. The composition is provided in a dispensing device which, in use, is attached to the internal panel of a tumble dryer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric treatment composition.More particularly, the invention relates to a heat activated fabrictreatment composition for use in a tumble dryer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the treatment of fabrics in a tumble dryer it is known to addone or more conditioning agents together with the load to be dried. Forinstance, for imparting a softening benefit to fabrics it is known fromCA 1,005,204 to co-mingle fabrics in a tumble dryer with a flexiblesubstrate carrying a normally solid fabric conditioning agent. Inco-mingling fabrics with impregnated substrates, however, there is arisk that the conditioner may not be evenly distributed. Furthermore,the co-mingling of the fabrics with impregnated substrates requires theseparation of the substrate from the fabrics after the completion of thetumble dryer treatment. This separation is often time-consuming in thatthe substrates cannot readily be located.

[0003] Other disadvantages of such products include uneven productdistribution following entanglement of the substrate with fabrics whichcan lead to greasy marks on fabrics (staining) and the tendency of suchsubstrates to become positioned over the tumble dryer vent, thus givingvirtually no benefit to the fabrics during a tumble drying cycle.Furthermore, these products are designed for single use only andtherefore need to be replaced after every cycle. In addition, perfumedelivery from the substrate onto fabrics is often poor resulting inconsumers using additional substrates to deliver adequate perfume whichis wasteful of resources.

[0004] For overcoming these problems it has been suggested, for instancein GB 2,066,309 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,947, to use conditionerdispensing articles, comprising means for attachment of the substrate tothe tumble dryer wall. Other proposals, such as for instance disclosedin GB 1,399,728, involve the use of separate means for attaching theconditioning article to the tumble dryer wall.

[0005] EP-B-361593 concerns an alternative approach in which a fabricconditioning article comprises a combination of a substrate and a fabricconditioning composition, the substrate being a porous material with aspecified void volume and cell count. The article of EP-B-361593 isdesigned to adhere to the tumble dryer wall.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,992 discloses a hemispherical device thatfits onto the door of a tumble dryer and delivers fabric conditionerfrom sheets.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,606 discloses a dispenser on the door of atumble dryer containing a roll of tumble dryer sheets.

[0008] WO-A-97/42290 discloses solid compositions that can be deliveredby any convenient applicator fixed to the door or to the surface of thedrum of the tumble dryer.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,311 discloses a device for use inside atumble dryer for delivering a conventional aqueous fabric conditionerswhere the fabric conditioner migrates outwardly to the surface of thedevice to become engaged with clothes because of the heat and tumblingin the dryer. Staining from such liquid fabric conditioners that “wet”fabrics is mentioned.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,831 discloses a foam carrier for the insideof a tumble dryer impregnated with microencapsulated fluid where themicrocapsules rupture because of mechanical and heat action.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,908 discloses a valve-containing deviceattached to the non-rotating head of a tumble dryer drum for deliveringaccurate and metered amounts of a fluid.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,105 discloses a device with multiple openingsfor the inside of a tumble dryer. Aqueous liquid conditioners arereferred to, but the product is permanently in a liquid state and thusdoes not address the problem of leakage from the dispensing deviceduring storage.

[0013] EP-A2-0539025 discloses fragrance microcapsules for fabricconditioning. The microcapsules are spray dried and incorporated into atumble dryer article.

[0014] EP-A1-0459821 discloses a liquid fabric conditioning compositionand an article for conditioning fabrics in an automatic laundry dryer.The liquid composition is not heat activated and the tumble dryerarticle does not container water.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,887 discloses a tumble dryer articlecomprising a fabric conditioning composition having little orsubstantially no free water.

[0016] In our co-pending applications, WO-A1-02/33160 andWO-A1-02/33161, there are disclosed articles suitable for treatmentfabrics in a tumble dryer. The compositions of the present invention areparticularly suitable for use with such devices.

[0017] In order to optimise the delivery of the active material ontofabrics during the drying cycle, it is desirable to provide a fabrictreatment composition which, at a temperature below the heating cycletemperature of the tumble dryer, remains substantially within adispensing article and is capable of undergoing a transition during theheating cycle of a tumble dryer such that it can be dispensed from thedispensing article

[0018] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a fabric treatmentcomposition which is capable of undergoing such transitions withoutunacceptable instability. It is particularly desirable that thecomposition can undergo such a cycle repeatedly.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,432 relates to a product for fabricstreatment in tumble drying machines. Disclosure is made of conditioningagents which are normally solid at room temperature and softensufficiently at the tumble dryer operating temperature to be exudedthrough perforations within the product. The conditioning agent ispreferably a quaternary ammonium fabric softening agent in admixturewith a nonionic surfactant. A very brief reference is made to aqueoussolutions or dispersions and, in the examples, compositions comprisingeither a 1.8% aqueous solution of 3-alkoyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride or a 4.8% aqueous solution of lauryl dimethyl ammoniopropane sulphonate are disclosed. There is no reference to the consumerperceivable problem of staining.

[0020] Effective delivery of a fabric treatment composition from adevice such as described above requires the composition to be flowableat the delivery temperature (i.e. the heating temperature of the tumbledryer). The inventors have identified a problem with fabric treatmentcompositions which are suitable to be delivered onto fabrics in a liquidstate in that they can leave stain marks on the treated fabric.

[0021] Fabric staining is referred to in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,066,413,4,049,858, WO-A-97/42290 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,977. However, this isin relation to tumble dryer sheet conditioning compositions only.

[0022] The problem of staining is particularly associated withdistributing a substantially liquid product during the heating cycle ofa domestic tumble dryer. For this reason, liquid fabric treatmentcompositions are usually delivered in a washing machine rinse cycle andnot in a tumble dryer heating cycle.

[0023] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the applicants believethat the visibility of such stains originates from the reduction in thereflection of light from the surface of the stained fabric compared tothe reflection from adjacent unstained part of the fabric. Moreparticularly, the visibility of the stain is due to the difference inthe refractive index of the fibre of the fabric and that of thecomposition delivered.

[0024] It is also believed that the level of staining is affected bywhether the delivered composition fills the spaces between fibres orspreads on the fibres themselves. The stain becomes more visible if theair between the fibres is replaced with the composition since thisreduces the difference in refractive index between the fibre and thesurrounding fabric giving rise to more transmitted light and lessreflection.

[0025] The visibility of a stain is also believed to be affected by thethickness and evenness of spreading of the composition onto fabrics.Thin, even spreading of the composition is most desirable and thusviscosity and surface tension characteristics of the fabric treatmentcomposition which improve thin, even spreading are particularlydesirable.

[0026] Nevertheless, a composition which is delivered as a liquid ontofabrics is desirable since it is believed that a liquid will bedispensed and distributed evenly during delivery.

[0027] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a heat activated fabrictreatment composition which can be delivered as a liquid during theheating cycle of a tumble dryer from a dispensing device and whichaddresses the problem of staining.

[0028] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a heat activated fabrictreatment composition which delivers anti-static benefits. Additionally,it is desirable to provide good perfume longevity and/or perfumesubstantivity to fabrics treated using the compositions of theinvention.

[0029] It is further desirable to provide a heat activated fabrictreatment composition which can be stored in a dispensing device andwhich can undergo repeated cycles from a more viscous storage state to aless viscous dispensable state such that during the heating cycle of thetumble dryer at least part of the composition is delivered to fabrics.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention seeks to address one or more of theabovementioned problems and to provide one or more of the abovementionedbenefits.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0031] Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a heatactivated fabric treatment composition comprising:

[0032] (a) from 3 to 75 wt % of one or more fabric treatment activeingredients;

[0033] (b) from 10 to 50 wt % of water;

[0034] (c) from 5 to 40 wt % of an oil; and

[0035] (d) optionally from 2 to 30 wt % of a nonionic surfactant.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provideda package comprising a composition as defined above within a dispensingdevice.

[0037] The invention further provides a method of conditioning fabricsin a tumble dryer comprising providing the heat activated fabrictreatment composition in a dispensing device, locating the dispensingdevice on the internal panel of the door of the tumble dryer, insertingfabrics into the tumble dryer and operating the dryer to cause at leasta part of the fabric treatment composition to be dispensed from thedevice onto the fabrics being dried so as to condition the fabrics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] In the context of the present invention, “heat activated” meansthat composition is suitable for use in a domestic tumble dryer, andpreferably means that the composition is substantially solid at ambienttemperature, i.e. 20° C. and undergoes a transition to a substantiallyliquid state at the heating temperature of a domestic tumble dryer.

[0039] Since the heating temperature of a domestic tumble dryer istypically within the range from about 40° C. to about 80° C., it isparticularly preferred that the composition is substantially solid attemperatures below 30° C., more preferably below 32° C., most preferablybelow 35° C., e.g. below 37° C. and is substantially liquid, or at leastmobile, at temperatures above 45° C., more preferably above 40° C., mostpreferably above 37° C. It is desirable that the composition is fullymelted at temperatures above 50° C.

[0040] According to one method of defining the temperature at which thecomposition flows, it is desirable that the slip point of thecomposition is greater than 30° C. and less than 50° C., more preferablygreater than 35° C. and less than 47° C., most preferably greater than37° C. and less than 45° C.

[0041] The slip point of the composition is measured as defined byBritish Standard BS 684 section 1.3 1991 ISO 6321:1991 (UK).

[0042] Product Form

[0043] In order to provide a fabric treatment composition capable ofremaining substantially within a dispensing device during storage andbeing delivered to fabrics during the heating cycle of a tumble dryer,it is important that the composition has viscosity characteristics whichallow the transition from a storage state to a dispensing state to occurat or about the heating temperature of the heat cycle. That is, thecomposition should preferably be a non-flowing, high viscosity productat ambient temperatures, e.g. a solid, soft solid or gel, and shouldbecome a low viscosity product, e.g. a liquid, at the heatingtemperatures of the tumble dryer.

[0044] Most preferably the composition is a “gel” at ambient temperaturecomprising a crystalline state forming a network to give the compositiona non-flowing gel or gel-like consistency. At the heating temperature ofthe tumble dryer, the composition is most preferably a “sol” comprisinga clear or isotropic solution.

[0045] Ideally, at the heating temperature the composition is a singlephase or, if multi-phasic, the dispersed phase has unit sizes smallerthan a typical membrane pore size of a dispensing device. A typicalmembrane has a pore size in the range of 0.1-10 microns. For pore sizesmuch smaller than this dispensing becomes difficult whilst for muchlarger pore sizes, too much composition is released per cycle, therebyincreasing the risk of staining.

[0046] Typically the composition will have a viscosity of above 375mPa.s at a shear rate of 100 s⁻¹ at ambient temperature, more preferablyabove 450 mPa.s, most preferably above 500 mPa.s, e.g. above 600 mPa.s.The viscosity of the composition at ambient temperature can be measuredby melting the composition (if necessary), transferring it to aviscometer cup and then letting it cool to room temperature with gentleshearing.

[0047] At the heating temperature of a domestic tumble dryer, thecomposition will typically have a viscosity of below 350 mPa.s at 100s⁻¹, more preferably below 300 mPa.s, most preferably below 250 mPa.s,e.g. below 200 mPa.s.

[0048] Measurements can be made using a Haake Rotoviscometer RV20 cupand bob NV1.

[0049] In order to provide optimal anti-staining benefits together withimproved delivery of the composition to fabrics and better cyclingbetween the storage state and dispensing state, the carrier system forthe active ingredient(s) comprises water and an oil. Optionally, thecarrier system also comprises a nonionic surfactant.

[0050] Water

[0051] The compositions of the invention comprise water.

[0052] The water-based nature of the compositions of the presentinvention is believed to help reduce staining and is unlike conventionaltumble dryer sheets which are substantially non-aqueous.

[0053] Water is present at a level of from 10 to 50%, preferably from 15to 40%, more preferably from 20 to 35% by weight, based on the totalweight of the composition.

[0054] Oil

[0055] One or more oils is present in the compositions of the invention.

[0056] In the present invention, it has been found that excellentperfume delivery can be achieved in the presence of the oil.

[0057] Suitable oils include mineral/hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, sugarester oils, silicone oils and/or natural oils such as vegetable oils.However, natural oils or mineral oils are preferred.

[0058] Mineral oils comprise a hydrocarbon oil containing substantiallyonly carbon and hydrogen. The hydrocarbon oils are preferablysubstantially free of aromatic components and are fully saturated.Suitable hydrocarbon oils can comprise a mixture of different chainlength hydrocarbons, e.g. from C₈ to C₄₀, having various degrees ofbranching. The hydrocarbon oils are preferably aliphatic.

[0059] Preferred mineral oils include the Marcol technical range of oils(ex Esso) although particularly preferred are the Sirius range (exFuchs), the Semtol range (ex Goldschmidt), or the Merkur Tec range (exMerkur Vaseline).

[0060] The molecular weight of the mineral oil is typically within therange 100 to 400.

[0061] The ester oils are hydrophobic in nature. They include fattyesters of mono or polyhydric alcohols having from 1 to 24 carbon atomsin the hydrocarbon chain, and mono or polycarboxylic acids having from 1to 24 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, provided that the totalnumber of carbon atoms in the ester oil is equal to or greater than 16,and that at least one of the hydrocarbon chains has 12 or more carbonatoms.

[0062] Suitable ester oils include substantially saturated ester oils(i.e. having less than 10% by number of unsaturated carbon-carbonbonds), such as the PRIOLUBES (ex. Unichema). 2-ethyl hexyl stearate(PRIOLUBE 1545), neopentyl glycol monomerate (PRIOLUBE 2045) and methyllaurate (PRIOLUBE 1415) are particularly preferred although oleicmonoglyceride (PRIOLUBE 1407) and neopentyl glycol dioleate (PRIOLUBE1446) are also suitable.

[0063] Other suitable esters oils include fatty acid glyceride esters asdefined in EP-A1-0746603, e.g. palm oil and tallow oil.

[0064] Suitable oily sugar ester compounds include the sugar ester oilsdefined in WO-A-98/16538, which are hereby incorporated by reference.The oily sugar esters preferably have a viscosity of from 5 to 50 Pa.s,and preferably have a density of from 0.8 to 1.2 gcm⁻³, more preferablyfrom 0.9 to 1 gcm⁻³, most preferably from 0.93 to 0.99 gcm⁻³.

[0065] It is preferred that the viscosity of the ester oil is from 0.002to 2.0 Pa.S, more preferably from 0.004 to 0.4 Pa.s at a temperature of25° C. at 106 s⁻¹, measured using a Haake rotoviscometer RV20 NV cup andbob, and that the density of the mineral oil is from 0.8 to 0.9 g.cm⁻³at 25° C.

[0066] Suitable silicone oils comprise low molecular weight, e.g. lessthan 1000, oils. Preferably the oils are volatile. A suitablecommercially available silicone oils is DC 245, ex Dow Chemicals.

[0067] The most preferred oils for use in the present invention arenatural oils, particularly plant-based oils. Suitable plant-based oilsinclude grape seed oil, rape seed oil, wheatgerm oil, castor oil, cornoil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, jojobaoil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil and tea tree oil. These oils havehigher polarity and unsaturation levels than typical mineral oils andare thus believed to deliver better anti-static benefits on their ownand in combination with the fabric treatment active ingredient.

[0068] One or more oils of any of the above mentioned types may be used,although it is particularly preferred that the oil has substantially nosurface activity.

[0069] It is believed that at the delivery temperature of the tumbledryer, the oil and water form a water-in-oil microemulsion with the aidof the fabric treatment active ingredient.

[0070] An unexpected benefit of microemulsion compositions is that theamount of staining is less dependent on the amount of delivery of thecomposition per heating cycle of the tumble dryer than for traditionaltumble dryer sheets. This is advantageous over prior art systems such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat No. 4,149,977, which typically must rely onmaintaining full control over the amount of composition delivered ineach cycle to control staining.

[0071] The presence of oil has also been found to substantially improveperfume delivery to fabrics and perfume substantivity and longevity ondried treated fabrics.

[0072] The oil is present at a level of from 5 to 40 wt %, preferablyfrom 8 to 35 wt %, more preferably from 10 to 30 wt % based on the totalweight of the composition.

[0073] Nonionic Surfactant

[0074] A nonionic surfactant may be present in order to improve controlof the melting temperature of the composition or at least to affect thetemperature at which the composition flows.

[0075] Preferred nonionic surfactants are solid at ambient temperatureso that, once deposited onto fabrics, they cause greater scatteringlight from the fabrics thereby reducing visibility of any productdeposited onto the fabric.

[0076] Furthermore, the preferred nonionic surfactants have an HLBwithin the range 8 to 20, more preferably 10 to 20, as thissignificantly improves solubilisation of the active components (such asfabric softening agents which typically have a solubility of less than1×10⁻³ wt % in water at 20° C.) in the water phase at the elevatedtemperatures of the heating cycle.

[0077] Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products ofethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acidsand fatty amines.

[0078] Ideally, the nonionic surfactant comprises an average degree ofalkoxylation of from 8 to 40 alkoxy units per molecule, more preferablyfrom 10 to 30, even more preferably 11 to 25, e.g. 12 to 22 alkoxyunits.

[0079] Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type describedhereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant.

[0080] Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactantsof the general formula:

R—Y—(C₂H₄O)_(z)—C₂H₄OH

[0081] where R is selected from the group consisting of primary,secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups;primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; andprimary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolichydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms with cocoand tallow or chain composition being most preferred.

[0082] In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Yis typically:

—O—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)N(R)— or —C(O)N(R)R—

[0083] in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Zis preferably from 8 to 40, more preferably from 10 to 30, mostpreferably from 11 to 25, e.g. 12 to 22.

[0084] The degree of alkoxylation, Z, denotes the average number ofalkoxy groups per molecule.

[0085] Examples of nonionic surfactants follow. In the examples, theinteger defines the number of ethoxy (EO) groups in the molecule.

[0086] A. Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates

[0087] The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadecaethoxylatesof n-hexadecanol, and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the rangerecited herein are useful viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in thecontext of this invention. The ethoxylates of mixed natural or syntheticalcohols in the “tallow” chain length range are also useful herein.Specific examples of such materials include tallow alcohol-EO(11),tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO (25), coco alcohol-EO(10),coco alcohol-EO(15), coco alcohol-EO(20) and coco alcohol-EO(25).

[0088] B. Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates

[0089] The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-,and nonadeca-ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol,and 5-eicosanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are usefulviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers in the context of thisinvention. Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful herein as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are: C₁₆EO(11); C₂₀ EO(11); and C₁₆ EO(14).

[0090] C. Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates

[0091] As in the case of the alcohol alkoxylates, the hexa- tooctadeca-ethoxylates of alkylated phenols, particularly monohydricalkylphenols, having an HLB within the range recited herein are usefulas the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instantcompositions. The hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of p-tri-decylphenol,m-pentadecylphenol, and the like, are useful herein. Exemplaryethoxylated alkylphenols useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibilitymodifiers of the mixtures herein are: p-tridecylphenol EO(11) andp-pentadecylphenol EO(18).

[0092] As used herein and as generally recognized in the art, aphenylene group in the nonionic formula is the equivalent of an alkylenegroup containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. For present purposes,nonionics containing a phenylene group are considered to contain anequivalent number of carbon atoms calculated as the sum of the carbonatoms in the alkyl group plus about 3.3 carbon atoms for each phenylenegroup.

[0093] Phenolic alkoxylates are particularly preferred because they arebelieved to improve the delivery of anti-static benefits to fabricstreated in a tumble dryer.

[0094] D. Olefinic Alkoxylates

[0095] The alkenyl alcohols, both primary and secondary, and alkenylphenols corresponding to those disclosed immediately hereinabove can beethoxylated to an HLB within the range recited herein and used as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions.

[0096] Olefinic alkoxylates are preferred for the same reason asphenolic alkoxylates.

[0097] E. Branched Chain Alkoxylates

[0098] Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are availablefrom the well-known “OXO” process can be ethoxylated and employed as theviscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of compositions herein.

[0099] Although branched chain alkoxylates and secondary alkoxylates arewithin the scope of the invention, it is most preferred that anyalkoxylated nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated straight chain primaryalcohol.

[0100] F. Polyol Based Surfactants

[0101] Suitable polyol based surfactants include sucrose esters suchsucrose monooleates, sucrose monostearate or mixture thereof, polyglycerols, alkyl polyglucosides such as coco or stearyl monoglucosidesand stearyl triglucoside and alkyl polyglycerols.

[0102] The above nonionic surfactants are useful in the presentcompositions alone or in combination, and the term “nonionic surfactant”encompasses mixed nonionic surface active agents.

[0103] Sucrose based surfactants are highly suitable because of theirhigher hydration state relative to other alkoxylkates.

[0104] The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount within the rangefrom 2 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the composition,preferably from 5 to 20 wt %, most preferably from 5 to 15 wt %.

[0105] Solvent

[0106] Optionally and advantageously, the compositions comprise asolvent for the active ingredient(s). The solvent further optimises theviscosity and flow temperature characteristics of the composition.Additionally, the solvent may act as a humectant retarding the loss ofwater from the composition upon storage.

[0107] Preferably the solvent is semi-polar.

[0108] Suitable solvents include any which have a flash point above theheating temperature of a tumble dryer. Ideally the solvent is alsoodourless.

[0109] Commercially available examples include polyols. Particularlypreferred are glycol-based solvents such as glycol ethers. The mostpreferred solvent is dipropylene glycol.

[0110] The solvent is preferably present at a level of from 1 to 25%,more preferably from 2 to 20%, most preferably from 3 to 10% by weight,based on the total weight of the composition.

[0111] Preferably the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to solvent isfrom 1:1 to 15:1, more preferably from 3:2 to 8:1 most preferably from2:1 to 6:1.

[0112] The combined amount of nonionic surfactant and optional solventis preferably less than 50% by weight of the composition, morepreferably less than 47%, most preferably less than 45%.

[0113] Fabric Treatment Active Ingredient

[0114] Any active ingredient typically delivered in the rinse cycle of alaundry operation or in a tumble drying cycle is suitable for use in thecompositions of the present invention.

[0115] Preferably the fabric treatment active ingredient is present in aweight excess, more preferably in a molar excess relative to thenonionic surfactant.

[0116] Ideally, the molar ratio of fabric treatment active ingredient tononionic surfactant is within the range from 50:1 to 1:1, morepreferably from 30:1 to 2:1 most preferably from 25:1 to 2:1, e.g. 5:1to 2:1.

[0117] Preferably the weight ratio of fabric treatment active ingredientto nonionic surfactant is within the range from 100:1 to 1:3, morepreferably from 50:1 to 1:2, most preferably from 25:1 to 1:1, e.g. 5:1to 1:1.

[0118] The following are examples of commonly included activeingredients. The list is not exhaustive and it will be appreciated bythe person skilled in the art that further active ingredients areequally suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.

[0119] Antistatic Agents

[0120] Suitable antistatic agents include humectants, such as glyceroland potassium acetate, inorganic salts, such as lithium chloride, andamines, such as triethanolamine. Ionising antistatic agents are believedto be more efficient than non-ionic antistatic agents, and thus it isdesirable that the agent is sufficiently hygroscopic to form a solutionin equilibrium with atmosphere below 40% relative humidity.

[0121] Especially preferred antistatic agent include NH₄ DEFI/Fatty Acidsystems containing up to 80% fatty acid, 25/75 LAS/Fatty acid systems,quaternary ammonium compounds where one or more of the alkyl groups issubstituted by a poly(oxyethylene) group, perquaternisedalkylene-diamine derivatives, polyamines containing poly(oxyethylene)groups, PEG 600, combinations of non-ionic and cationic surfactants asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,489 preferably with both surfactantsbeing covalently bound), combinations of a quaternary ammonium materialand a non-ionic surfactant as described in Textile Month May 1983, 22,tri-methyl benzyl ammonium chloride, tri-octyl ammonium chloride,tri-methyl benzyl ammonium chloride, Gafstat S100 (ex Gaf Corp.),Alubrasol MM (ex Jordan Chem. Co.), tetrabutyl ammonium bromidepreferably in combination with di-octyl dimethyl ammonium bromide,combinations of quaternary ammonium materials and magnesium or calciumsalts (CaCl₂, CaSO₄, MgSO₄) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,879,mixtures of mono- and di-substituted alkanediamines, produced byreaction of higher alkyl-1,2-epoxides with lower alkanediamines asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,557, N-substituted iminodicarboxylatesas described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,725,473, alkyl ammonium carbamates ofthe form R₁R₂NH₂ ⁺O(O)CNR₃R₄, where R₁ is hydrogen or an alkyl group,e.g. 1 to 22 atoms; R₂ is an alkyl group having 10 or more carbon atoms(preferably 10 to 22); R₃ and R₄ are each either hydrogen or an alkylgroup (1 to 22 carbons) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,100,polyalkylethyleneimine of the form —[N(R′) (CH₂)_(y)]_(z)— where y is aninteger from 1 to 4, preferably 2, z is an integer greater than 1,preferably 20 to 10000, R′ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, and alkyl and alkanoyl substituents containing preferably from12 to 18 carbon atoms and preferably 10 to 20% of the nitrogen atoms aresubstituted with alkyl and alkanoyl substituents as described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,844,952, mono- or di- long chain alkyl imidazoliniumcompounds as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,157, mixtures of nonionic,cationic and anionic surfactants as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,489

[0122] Fabric Softening Agents

[0123] Suitable fabric softening agents include cationic surfactantssuch as quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials and imidazolinesas well as nonionic fabric softening agent.

[0124] When the fabric treatment active ingredient comprises a cationicsurfactant, it is preferred that a nonionic surfactant is present. Thenonionic surfactant aids the formation of a micro-emulsion by thecationic surfactant thereby increasing dissolution of the activeingredient. This increases the liquidity of the activated compositionand improves deposition onto fabrics.

[0125] If the fabric softening agent is a quaternary ammonium fabricsoftening material, it preferably has two C₁₂₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groupsconnected to the nitrogen head group, preferably via at least one esterlink. It is more preferred if the quaternary ammonium material has twoester links present.

[0126] Preferably, the average chain length of the alkyl or alkenylgroup is at least C₁₄, more preferably at least C₁₆. Most preferably atleast half of the chains have a length of C₁₈.

[0127] It is generally preferred that the alkyl or alkenyl chains arepredominantly linear.

[0128] The first group of cationic fabric softening compounds for use inthe invention is represented by formula (I):

[0129] wherein each R is independently selected from a C₅₋₃₅ alkyl oralkenyl group, R¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₂₋₄ alkenyl or a C₁₋₄hydroxyalkyl group, T is

[0130] n is 0 or a number selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 anddenotes the number of moieties to which it relates that pend directlyfrom the N atom, and X is an anionic group, such as halides or alkylsulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate.

[0131] Especially preferred materials of this class are di-alkenylesters of triethanol ammonium methyl sulphate. Commercial examplesinclude Tetranyl AHT-1 (di-hardened oleic ester of triethanol ammoniummethyl sulphate 80% active), AT-1(di-oleic ester of triethanol ammoniummethyl sulphate 90% active), L5/90 (palm ester of triethanol ammoniummethyl sulphate 90% active), all ex Kao, and Rewoquat WE15 (C₁₀-C₂₀ andC₁₆-Cl₁₈ unsaturated fatty acid reaction products with triethanolaminedimethyl sulphate quaternised 90% active), ex Witco Corporation.

[0132] The second group of cationic fabric softening compounds for usein the invention is represented by formula (II):

[0133] wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl,hydroxyalkyl or C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group isindependently selected from C₈₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; n is 0 or aninteger from 1 to 5 and T and X⁻ are as defined above.

[0134] Preferred materials of this class such as 1,2bis[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and1,2-bis[oleyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and their methodof preparation are, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180(Lever Brothers), the contents of which are incorporated herein.Preferably these materials also comprise small amounts of thecorresponding monoester, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180.

[0135] A third group of cationic fabric softening compounds for use inthe invention is represented by formula (III):

[0136] wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl,or C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independentlyselected from C₈₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; n is 0 or an integer from 1to 5 and T and X⁻ are as defined above. A preferred material of thisclass is N—N-di(tallowoyloxy ethyl) N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0137] A fourth group of cationic fabric softening compounds for use inthe invention is represented by formula (IV):

[0138] wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl,or C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independentlyselected from C₈₋₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; and X⁻ is as defined above.

[0139] It should also be appreciated that certain fabric softeningagents may also deliver anti-static benefits to fabrics.

[0140] For instance, quaternary ammonium materials with one or morealkoxylate groups per molecule are believed to deliver both goodsoftening and good antistatic to fabrics.

[0141] Fabric softening agents which also deliver anti-static benefitsare particularly preferred.

[0142] The fabric treatment active ingredient is present in an amountfrom 3 to 75% by weight (active ingredient) based on the total weight ofthe composition, preferably 4 to 60% by weight, more preferably 5 to 50%by weight, most preferably 10 to 45% by weight.

[0143] Iodine Value of the Parent Fatty Acyl Group or Acid

[0144] The iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid fromwhich the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is formed isfrom 0 to 140, more preferably from 0 to 80, most preferably from 0 to40, e.g. from 0 to 35.

[0145] An iodine value below 4 is particularly desirable as theresultant active ingredient provides excellent softening and is moreresistant to odour problems upon storage. It is also believed that loweriodine values may reduce staining.

[0146] However, iodine values from 5 to 35 are also suitable as theresultant active ingredient melts more readily at the heatingtemperature of the tumble dryer, and can provide better anti-staticbenefits.

[0147] Where the quaternary ammonium material is based on a parent fattyacid or acyl compound having an iodine value of from 5 to 35, e.g. 10 to25, it is particularly preferred that the nonionic surfactant comprisesa fully saturated alkoxylated alcohol, e.g. hardened tallow 15 EO.

[0148] In the context of the present invention, the iodine value of theparent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the fabric softeningmaterial formed, is defined as the number of grams of iodine which reactwith 100 grams of the compound.

[0149] The method for calculating the iodine value of a parent fattyacyl compound/acid comprises dissolving a prescribed amount (from 0.1-3g) into about 15 ml chloroform. The dissolved parent fatty acylcompound/fatty acid is then reacted with 25 ml of iodine monochloride inacetic acid solution (0.1M). To this, 20 ml of 10% potassium iodidesolution and about 150 ml deionised water is added. After addition ofthe halogen has taken place, the excess of iodine monochloride isdetermined by titration with sodium thiosulphate solution (0.1M) in thepresence of a blue starch indicator powder. At the same time a blank isdetermined with the same quantity of reagents and under the sameconditions. The difference between the volume of sodium thiosulphateused in the blank and that used in the reaction with the parent fattyacyl compound or fatty acid enables the iodine value to be calculated.

[0150] Perfume

[0151] It is desirable that the compositions of the present inventionalso comprise one or more perfumes. Suitable perfume ingredients includethose disclosed in “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals)”, bySteffen Arctander, published by the author in 1969, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

[0152] The inventors have found that up to 10 wt % perfume can beincorporated in the compositions of the present invention withoutdestabilising the composition. Such levels are significantly higher thanthose present in commercially available tumble dryer sheets.Accordingly, better perfume substantivity and longevity can be achievedfrom the present compositions than from traditional tumble dryer sheets.

[0153] Fatty Component

[0154] The compositions of the present invention may comprise a fattycomponent such as a fatty acid and/or a fatty alcohol.

[0155] Suitable fatty acids/alcohols have a hydrocarbyl chain length offrom 8 to 26 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 22, most preferablyfrom 12 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0156] Preferred fatty acids include hardened tallow fatty acid(available under the tradename Pristerene, ex Uniqema).

[0157] Preferred fatty alcohols include hardened tallow alcohol(available under the tradenames Stenol and Hydrenol, ex Cognis andLaurex CS, ex Albright and Wilson) and behenyl alcohol, a C22 chainalcohol, available as Lanette 22 (ex Henkel).

[0158] The fatty acid and/or alcohol is preferably present in an amountof from 0.5% to 15% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition, more preferably 1 to 10%, most preferably 1.5 to 7% byweight.

[0159] Other Co-active Ingredients

[0160] Other co-active ingredients for the fabric treatment activeingredient may also be incorporated in an amount from 0.01 to 20% byweight, more preferably 0.05 to 10%, based on the total weight of thecomposition. Preferred ingredients of this type include fatty esters,and fatty N-oxides.

[0161] Preferred fatty esters include fatty monoesters, such as glycerolmonostearate. If GMS is present, then it is preferred that the level ofGMS in the composition, is from 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on the totalweight of the composition.

[0162] Polymeric Viscosity Control Agents

[0163] A polymeric viscosity control agent may also be present in thecompositions of the invention. Suitable polymeric viscosity controlagents include nonionic and cationic polymers, such as hydrophobicallymodified cellulose ethers (e.g. Natrosol Plus, ex Hercules) andcationically modified starches (e.g. Softgel BDA and Softgel BD, both exAvebe). A particularly preferred viscosity control agent is a copolymerof methacrylate and cationic acrylamide available under the tradenameFlosoft 200 (ex SNF Floerger).

[0164] Polymeric viscosity control agents are preferably present in anamount of from 0.01 to 5 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 4 wt %, based onthe total weight of the composition.

[0165] Other Optional Ingredients

[0166] The compositions may also contain one or more optionalingredients conventionally included in fabric conditioning compositionssuch as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants,antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, polyelectrolytes, enzymes,optical brightening agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents,anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-corrosion agents,drape imparting agents, ironing aids and dyes.

EXAMPLES

[0167] The invention will now be illustrated by the followingnon-limiting examples. Further modifications within the scope of theinvention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0168] Samples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparativesamples are represented by a letter.

[0169] All values are % by weight of the active ingredient unless statedotherwise.

[0170] The samples in table 1 were prepared as follows:

[0171] The quat, oil and optional solvent were weighed in a beaker andheated on a hot plate until molten (about 70° C.). Hot water (also about70° C.) was then slowly dosed into the molten mixture with stirring. Tothis mixture, perfume was added and stirring continued until a ‘clear’liquid was produced. The liquid was bottled and left to cool either inthe bottle or on a rotary blender. TABLE 1 Sample 1 2 3 A B C Quat (1)*50 50 50 80 50 50 Sirius M85 (2) 20 0 0 0 0 0 NP-35 (3) 0 20 0 0 0 0Estol 1545 (4) 0 0 20 0 0 0 DPG (5) 5 5 5 10 0 5 PEG 200 (6) 0 0 0 0 250 Glycerol 0 0 0 0 0 20 Perfume 5 5 5 5 5 5 Water 20 20 20 5 20 20

[0172] Staining Evaluation

[0173] Staining evaluation was then carried out on the fabricsidentified in Table 2. TABLE 2 Garment Fabric type Colour Texture Singlejersey 100% acrylic Multicolour Knitted, thick Sport trousers 100% nylonbuff Woven with woven nylon lining, light Green shirt 100% cotton GreenWoven, light Blue shirt 100% Polyester Blue Woven peach skin (brushed),heavy  52% polyester Towel looped knit,  40% cotton heavy  8% lastaneJeans trousers 100% cotton Blue Denim Cotton monitor 100% cotton BlackWoven, light Microfibre monitor 100% polyester Pearly Woven, lightPongee monitor 100% polyester Pink Tuffata, lining type

[0174] A 1.5 kg load was washed in a Miele Novotronic W820 washingmachine using 80 g of un-perfumed Persil fabric washing powder at a 40°C. wash temperature. The fabrics were spin dried and then transferred toa Miele Novotronic T43 tumble dryer.

[0175] The dispensing device—as described on page 16 line 26 to page 20line 12 and shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 of WO-A1-02/33161 having amembrane thickness of 160 μm, a membrane pore size of 0.2 μm andmembrane area of 1080 mm²—was charged with 30 g of the sample and thenattached to the internal side of the door of the tumble dryer and the 60minutes “Cotton Extra Dry” drying cycle started. At the end of the cyclethe fabrics were removed. Comparative evaluation with tumble dryersheets was also made (for each cycle a single tumble dryer sheet wasused).

[0176] Staining was evaluated by a panel of trained laboratory personnelin a standard Viewing Cabinet (D65 light, simulating typical northernhemisphere outdoor light). The panel assessed the staining of theaqueous compositions with a critical eye using different viewing anglesand observing over a black background.

[0177] Unless otherwise indicated, each sample was assessed 3 times withthe fabric being washed as described above between each assessment.

[0178] Staining was ranked according to the number of stains and thesize/visibility of the stains on a scale of from 0 to 5 where 0represented no staining and 5 represented severe staining.

[0179] The results are given in table 3 below. TABLE 3 Sample TDS (1)TDS (2) 1 A Microfibre 2.5 0 1 2 Pongee — — 1 3 Jeans 0   0 0 0.5

[0180] Delivery Evaluation

[0181] The following compositions were prepared according to the methoddescribed above. TABLE 4 Sample 4 5 6 7 8 D E Quat (1)* 50 55 50 55 5050 55 DC 245 (2) 25 20 0 0 0 0 0 NP-35 (3) 0 0 20 20 0 0 0 Estol 1545(4) 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 DPG (5) 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 DPnB (6) 0 0 0 0 0 25 40Perfume 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Water 20 20 20 20 20 20 0

[0182] Delivery evaluation was carried out as follows:

[0183] Approximately 30 g of the sample to be evaluated was transferredto a dispensing device—described above. The device was then attached tothe inside of the door of the Miele tumble dryer and the 60-minute“Cotton extra dry” heating cycle started.

[0184] For each sample, the amount of product delivered was measured atintervals during the heating cycle.

[0185] Delivery of between 1 and 2 grams of product during the 60 minutecycle was desirable. Below this amount, insufficient active ingredientwould be delivered to the fabric. Significantly greater amounts thanthis would cause staining problems.

[0186] The amount in grams of each sample delivered is given in table 5.TABLE 5 Time/mins 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Sample 5 0 0.04 0.11 0.28 0.5 0.761.06 Sample 6 0 0.2 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.4 Sample 7 0 0.05 0.14 0.38 0.680.92 1.04 Sample 8 0 0.5 0.67 1.11 1.3 1.59 1.8 Sample D 0 0.26 2.88 — —— — Sample E 0 0.89 2 — — — —

[0187] For samples D and E, delivery was ceased after approximately 20minutes due to the excess of product delivered.

[0188] Staining Evaluation

[0189] Staining evaluation of the samples of table 4 was then carriedout on the garments identified in table 2. Evaluation was made accordingto the method described in the example above.

[0190] The results are given in table 6 TABLE 6 Garment Sample 5 Sample7 Sample 8 Sample D Sample E Single jersey 0 0.5 — — — Sport 0 0 — — —trousers Green shirt 0.5 0 — — — Blue shirt 0.5 0 — — — Fleece 0.5 1 — —— Jeans 0 0.5 — — — trousers Cotton 1 0 0.5 2.5 1.5 monitor Microfibre0.5 0.5 1 3 2.5 monitor Pongee 0.5 0 1.5 4 3 monitor

[0191] “-” denotes not measured.

[0192] Perfume Evaluation

[0193] Perfume evaluation was also carried out using samples 4 to 8 anda standard commercially available tumble dryer sheet (Bounce, purchasedin UK in 2001) over 10 wash and dry cycles.

[0194] A 1.5 kg load containing equal weight mixtures of cotton,polycotton, polyester, nylon, acrylic, microfibre monitors and pongeepolyester monitors was washed as described above. The washed articleswere spin dried and transferred to a Hotpoint Aquarius Tumble Dryer andthen tumble dried for 60 minutes. This process was repeated 10 times,with the dispensing device remaining in position and without beingrecharged. After each cycle the articles were removed and assessed thenwashed and the cycle repeated until 10 cycles completed. For the samplecontaining the tumble dryer sheet, a new sheet was introduced beforeeach drying cycle. For each of the samples 4 to 8, perfume strength onfabrics after each drying cycle was significantly stronger than perfumestrength on fabrics treated with the tumble dryer sheet.

[0195] Further Staining Evaluation

[0196] The following compositions were prepared by weighing the quat,oil, nonionic and optional solvent into a beaker and heating on a hotplate until molten (about 70° C.). Hot water (also about 70° C.) wasthen slowly dosed into the molten mixture with stirring. Perfume wasadded and stirring continued until a ‘clear’ liquid was produced. Theliquid was left to cool either in a bottle or on a rotary blender. TABLE7 Sample 9 10 11 12 13 Quat (1)* 20 0 40 35 40 Quat (2)* 0 20 0 0 0Emnon SCR-PK (3) 30 30 0 0 0 Squalane 99% (4)* 0 0 20 0 0 Semtol 70/28(5) 0 0 0 15 0 Sirius M40 (6) 0 0 0 0 20 Nonionic coco 11EO (ex 20 20 510 5 Slovasol) Dipropylene glycol 5 5 0 0 0 Water 20 20 30 35 30 Perfume5 5 5 5 5

[0197] All above formulations produced microemulsions at the heatingtemperature of a tumble dryer.

[0198] Staining performance was evaluated according to the methoddescribed in the examples above. The results are given in table 8. TABLE8 Sample TDS (1) 9 11 12 13 black monitor 0.5-1     0.5 0.5-1.0   0.5  0.5 blue shirt 0.5-1.0 1.0-1.5   0.5 0.5-1.0 0.0-0.5 Pongee 0.5-1.0 00   0.5 0 green shirt 0 0 0 0 0 microfibre   0.5 0.5-1.0 0-0.5   0.5 0(monitor) sport 0   0.5 0 0 0 trousers Fleece 0 0 0 0 0 Jeans 0 0 0 0 0Jersey 0 0 0 0 0

1. A heat activated fabric treatment composition comprising: (a) fromabout 3 to about 75 wt % of one or more fabric treatment activeingredients; (b) from about 10 to about 50 wt % of water; (c) from about5 to about 40 wt % of an oil; and (d) optionally from about 2 to about30 wt % of a nonionic surfactant.
 2. A heat activated fabricconditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fabrictreatment active ingredient is a quaternary ammonium material.
 3. A heatactivated fabric conditioning composition as claimed in either claim 1wherein the oil comprises a natural plant-based oil.
 4. A heat activatedfabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the oilcomprises a volatile silicone oil.
 5. A heat activated fabricconditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nonionicsurfactant comprises an ethoxylated alcohol having from about 12 toabout 20 EO groups.
 6. A heat activated fabric conditioning compositionas claimed in claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of fabric treatmentactive ingredient to nonionic surfactant is from about 100:1 to about1:3.
 7. A heat activated fabric conditioning composition as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the weight ratio of fabric treatment active ingredientto nonionic surfactant is from about 50:1 to about 1:2.
 8. A heatactivated fabric conditioning composition as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe weight ratio of fabric treatment active ingredient to nonionicsurfactant is from about 5:1 to about 1:1.
 9. A package comprising theheat activated composition of claim 1 within a dispensing device.
 10. Amethod of conditioning fabrics in a tumble dryer comprising locating thepackage of claim 9 on the internal panel of the door of the tumbledryer, inserting fabrics into the tumble dryer and operating the dryerto cause at least a part of the fabric treatment composition to bedispensed from the device onto the fabrics being dried so as tocondition the fabrics.